“I see,” said Lord Hastings, and as he did not wish to put the prisoner on his guard, he talked for some minutes of other matters.
“By the way,” he said finally, “how is our friend guarded? Is he locked in a cell, or what?”
“Yes,” was the reply. “He refused to give his parole, so naturally he had to be confined. However, he is perfectly comfortable and is being well cared for.”
“So he is locked up in the fort,” said Lord Hastings. “Then there is no chance of his being so foolish as to attempt to escape.”
“It certainly would be foolish,” said the prisoner, “although once outside the cell, he might lose himself for a while; but of course there would be no chance of his getting out of the country. You see, we are perfectly safe here, or were until you came along, so it is unnecessary to keep such a close watch.”
“And where is the fort where he is confined?” asked Lord Hastings.
“Only a short distance from the edge of the canal. It is called Fort Kaiserin.”
“Well,” said Lord Hastings as he turned away, having learned all that he desired to know, “I guess we had better get away from this spot or one of your submarines is liable to find us. Mr. Templeton, you may escort the prisoner to your own quarters and place a sailor on guard.”
Jack led the prisoner to his own cabin and, after stationing a sailor at the door, returned to Lord Hastings.
“What have you on your mind, sir?” he asked.